Drua Must Finish Strongly
Watch our Fijian Super Rugby players dazzle in their final Super Rugby Pacific 2022 match.
Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne did not mind resting his trump cards to a stomach bug but to prepare them for their final showdown against the Chiefs at Churchill Park, Lautoka, this Saturday.
Time to put our Super Rugby Pacific learnings intopractice, watch our boys lift their performance and rattle an experienced Chiefs pack.
Our boys have battled hard this long season, a win against the Chiefs will set their off season programme on track.
They are to get out there, fight for possession, gain territory and score points.
We may be out of the competition but let’s make a statement that we have a place in Super Rugby.
Our Fijian Drua side and the fans have proved and shown that we can perform well at home. There is nothing to lose but let’s give the Chiefs a good game.
Changes
Byrne rested Onisi Ratave, Apisalome Vota, Frank Lomani while Kitione Taliga and the ‘Bossman’ Vinaya Habosi had to be replaced due to the stomach bug. They should be back in full strength by Saturday.
Ratave currently leads our trying scoring list, Tela is ranked seventh on the Super Rugby Pacific points table, Habosi is in fine form while Kalaveti Ravouvou and Vota are also in great form.
Byrne made the changes against the Crusaders with an understanding that we need to give the Chiefs a good game.
Our set-pieces play will be key to releasing our fast backline players.
The Drua scrum’s success rate is 94% and they are now placed second in the competition.
Our forwards will set the platform with their physicality and good scrummaging.
At the back it is obvious that first eighth Teti Tela will spark and set our backline in motion.
His task is to manage the game well and create space for our speedsters to have a crack at the Chiefs line.
Both Tela and Lomani’s decision making, feedbacks and communication during the match will be vital towards managing the game.
Now it’s time for Byrne to trust his instinct and give Ratave a run at centre.
Ratave’s explosive power, ball handling skills and speed will be a telling factor against the Chiefs.
Local Skipper Cup competition fans would love to watch the Namosi combination of Ratave and Ravouvou set-up speedster Habosi.
Smart play, good execution, good decision making, retain set-piece balls and team work will be crucial for the Drua side if they are to upset the Chiefs. com.fj